Just like it takes a physical muscle to do the things that we do daily, it takes a self-control muscle to do the things daily that we Need To Do. Like say "No." Say "No" to a sugary breakfast, say "No" to a Chick'a'fil'a milkshake after lunch (even though they are So Good!) and say "No" to second servings at dinner. It serious makes a huge difference over time... if only I could remember that when I reach for my dark chocolate... !
Saying "No" extends into much more than just eating, however. It extends into every area of our lives.
As human beings, we literally cannot say "Yes" to everything that comes along. (That's why we're Human BEINGS, not Human DOINGS.)
It is physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually impossible to be involved in every good thing and to do it well. The often-quoted verse in Philippians about doing all things is not about doing EVERYTHING, it's about doing ALL of EACH thing that the Lord calls us to do. It's about saying "No" to the good things, so that we can say "YES!" to the Lord's Best Things when they come along.
So a little challenge for both of us, dear reader and I: we both say "No" this week to things that aren't God's BEST. And we both listen for the right moment to say "Yes!"